NEWS ARCHIVES

December 2005

Holiday Vader Joins the Image Database

The Dark Lord of the Sith celebrates the holidays by joining JediDefender for a photo session with our staff photographer Jared. Apparently Darth Vader was in a festive mood as he arrived in his holiday best - the results can be seen in our Image Database.

Code 3 has revealed their Signature Series Darth Vader TIE Fighter today, which is also a Battle Damaged version! So who's signature can be found on the base? None other than James Earl Jones himself! It will be very limited at only 500 pieces and is expected to ship by March 2006. Check out all of the great pics here.

SideShow Collectibles has a new 12" figure preview up and running. The preview focuses on the Revenge of the Sith Obi-Wan Kenobi. The figure, like all we've seen so far, looks to be another exciting addition to the 12" line. I can't wait to see what this one's going to include.

A quick reminder that we are in the final days of our latest Give Away!

JediDefender is offering a chance to win your very own Wal-Mart exclusive Early Bird Kit! One of the few new Classic Original Trilogy items to come out this year, the Early Bird Kit includes a cardboard back-drop and four brand new action figures from Hasbro! Best of all, no mailing is required on this one as thatís all been done for you. Check out our new Give Away page for all the details on how you can win!

By now, you've likely had a look at some of the figures in The Saga Collection thanks to the first wave hitting stores and the Hasbro previews of upcoming waves. So what do you think? Great stuff, you gotta have 'em all? Not bad, you'll grab the best ones? Or do they just plain suck? Choose the best option in our poll and head into our forums and voice your opinion!

A big thanks to CreatureCantina.com (which sucks), and the Pennsylvania Star Wars Collector Society for sharing a scan of the Lucasfilm Holiday Card distributed to friends of the Lucasfilm family this year. The card depicts the move that Lucasfilm is doing across the bay to their new offices this year, and the inside was even personalized. Thanks again to Bill Cable for the scan!

The creative energies continue to flow in our Photo Novel section and we're pleased to show off the work of a couple of our forum members. First off, we have CHEWIE's 18th chapter in his ongoing saga, Rykrof Enloe, this time entitled Dark Exchange. As well, we have S_A_Longhorn's second act of his Dark Illusions storyline. Enjoy!

With them appearing at Wal-Mart and Toys R Us first, it appears that The Saga Collection are now hitting at Target stores as well. Thanks to our own image guru Jared as well as forum member Diddly who both scored the Carkoon Wave at the big red dot. With bare pegs at most retailers around the country, it should be no time till we're swimming in Saga stuff I would think.

Bobajp from Slave1.jp has a nice image gallery up displaying the boxed and loose contents of the Fine Molds Millenium Falcon 1/72 Scale Model. The gallery shows the extensive parts trees you get, as the kit is constructed of over 900 parts much the same way that the original Millium Falcon studio props were built! Check out the image above for the boxed photo and head over to Slave1.jp to check out the contents inside!

Forum member Deanpaul gives us a look into a custom project that has amazed us all at JD. Not only is it an incredible design and impressive size, but it was all done for his son. After checking out the picture above by clicking on the thumbnail, you can see more in our forums!

Hasbro updates their website today with photos of a new wave of Unleashed Battle Packs planned for spring 2006. This wave is based on the Battle of Hoth and features a Hoth Rebel 4-pack, an Imperial Snowtrooper 4-pack, and a Rebel Hero 3-pack that includes Han, Chewie, and a Taun-Taun. Click on the thumbnail above for all the details.

The first Miniature for the upcoming Champions of the Force set has been revealed in the Wizards of the Coast forums -- Exar Kun. For the collector, he looks to be a very nicely painted piece, and for the player, he appears to be a very dangerous foe. Expect to see this expansion set in May, 2006.

Wedge Antilles is a figure long desired by many a collector, and he's finally here! JD photographer Jared has provided some photos of the Internet Exclusive OTC figure in our Image Database, so check 'em out.

After Master Replicas stated their plans for 2006, as we previously reported, they received a lot of questions about those plans. Most importantly, it seems the new Collector's Editions have created some confusion.

For those of you that have been waiting for months for Master Replicas to deliver on their Star Corps Helmet, the time is here! This full size helmet has been an exclusive to Hyperspace members via StarWarsShop.com and is limited to only 600 pieces. Need some pics to decide? Check these out.

Sideshow Collectibles has updated their blog with a great look at their upcoming Premium Format Darth Vader with his cape removed. More interestingly though, they provide an indepth look at the first few steps involved with the production of the Premium Format General Grievous. Check out the intense effort required for this bad boy.

JediDefender.com sponsor Entertainment Earth has a great sale going on right now. Check out their Winter Blowout Sale for savings of up to 90% off any number of in-stock items. Star Wars is in there too folks, and there's some pretty great deals to be had so get over and check it out now!

Master Replicas has revealed their plans for the upcoming year, and it looks like it's going to be a busy one! They have added the Collector's Edition line and will finally release the Star Wars Poker Chip Set. And we may be seeing some of these items released very soon!

SideShow Collectibles have up their latest PodCast talking all about the latest offerings in their 12" line. Many fan questions are answered including an interesting in-depth look at Star Wars Toy manufacturing in general. The Q&A is a great listen though, with lots of information on the future of the 12" Star Wars line as it progresses under SideShow Collectibles.

My personal interest was in the "Militaries of Star Wars" line hinted at in the podcast. If one company can do it, SideShow can, given their extensive experience in making military figure collectibles! Download and check out the .mp3 format file. It's worth a listen for certain.

The Official Site has a survey up right now asking what you're looking forward to in 2006 surrounding Lucasfilm's plans. Is it the 3-D release of Star Wars films? What about the differen TV ventures planned? Head on over and vote to let Lucasfilm know!

An article in a local newspaper was pointed out to me recently because there was a little Star Wars portion in it. The article had to do with custom E-Cards becoming more popular among families and companies as a means of sending out Christmas Cards to friends and clients. The Star Wars Card may have gone overboard though. Read on to see what I mean.

Time to start the hunt for the 2006 Saga figures! Forum Member Darth Vlad found the "Battle of Carkoon" wave of figures at his local Minnesota Toys R Us Store. It seems that the price hike rumors are true, as the figures rang up at $6.99 each (plus tax). Time to hit TRU and see if you can get yourself an early Christmas present!

UPDATE: A number of other JediDefender readers have written to let us know that the Saga 2006 figures are also now appearing at Wal-Mart stores across the USA where they are ringing up at around $6 each (plus tax).

StarWarsShop.com has one of the most unique exclusives in recent memory - The Lucas Collector's Set. A worldwide exclusive, it will contain four figures of the Lucas family characters seen in Revenge of the Sith - Baron Papanoida (George Lucas), Chi Eekway (Katie Lucas), Terr Taneel (Amanda Lucas) and Zett Jukassa (Jett Lucas). Head on over to preorder yours now for its arrival in April 2006.

The Official Site updates their website tonight with a preview of tomorrow's Hasbro offerings - fantastic new pictures of the Battle of Tatooine Wave from 2006. Head on over to check out some brand new figures planned for next spring including a few long-time fan requests: Hem Dazon and a resculpted non-aggro R5-D4! Also included in the update is the first look at the upcoming Target exclusive "Skirmish at the Senate" Battle pack featuring Shocktroopers, Yoda, Palpatine and a senate pod!

I don't keep too close an eye on the role-play toys like the lightsabers, but I did notice new The Saga Collection Lightsabers at my local Toys R Us Store tonight. The sabers caught my eye because it was the first time I'd ever seen a Mace Windu light/sound Lightsaber. Just in time for under the Christmas Tree too!

Part of TIME Magazine's Persons Of The Year list was the one and only Darth Vader. The Dark Lord of the Sith is up on this year's list alongside President Bush, Dick Cheney, Kanye West, Tony Blair, and others.

Not too bad for a Jedi that couldn't keep his emotions together. Thanks to my buddy efranks for bringing that article to my attention!

The newest Lego sets are starting to ship out and show up at Toys R Us stores. Found in the Pittsburgh Area were the A-Wing, B-Wing, and the TIE Interceptor sets, so if you're a brick-a-holic you need to start your toy runs again!

UPDATE:

Tonight on an impromptu toy run I also found the new Slave I set which looks really nice, and the V-Wing set from Revenge of the Sith. So it's a good time to be a Lego Maniac... especially since you can't find basic Star Wars figures anywhere it seems.

Those of you lucky enough to attend the San Diego Comic Con the last two years may have seen this 27" tall Gentle Giant Yoda Monument based on the Clone Wars Maquette. Now we've all got a chance to see it, in our own homes, when it becomes available for purchase in June 2006. But save your pennies, this one won't come cheap!

For all you Darth Vader fans, check out this Anime styled statue coming from Hasbro! This 17" tall resin statue is an internet exclusive, and is expected to be available in March of 2006. Preorder yours now at Entertainment Earth!

Fine Molds, known for their exquisite model kits, have finally released their long-awaited 1/72 Scale Millenium Falcon Kit. Click the image above to check out a more detailed picture of this fine item currently available at Hobby Link Japan. Click on through to read some further details about this amazing model, and to see if you think your modeling skills can match up to the challenge!

Sideshow Collectibles have their pre-order page up for the Anakin Skywalker 12" Figure. While the SideShow Exclusive Anakin (limited to 1750 pieces) sold out in lightning quick time, you can still get in on the great quality basic figure today. They certainly see to it that these figures are packing quite a few accessories and features for the price!

Hasbro delivered virtual Anakin perfection with their Evolutions set, but yet something was still missing. Anakin Skywalker (Slashing Attack), "Sith Eyes" paint variation, gives fans a somewhat neutral and passable version of Skywalker when he was laying the smack down in Revenge of the Sith. By no means is this figure Evolutions quality unfortunately, as you can read in this week's review.

When you're finished, feel free to stop by our Reviews Forum and share your thoughts on this review with us, or create your own critiques on Hasbro's wares.

With just a few weeks left in December, it's time for an update on our latest Monthly Customizing Challenge: Month 8 - Rebel Troopers. Head on into the Monthly Customizing Challenge thread to check out the progress!

Would you like to participate in the Monthly Customizing Challenge? Well then, head on into the Customs Forum for some great tips and free advice to get you started in the world of customizing!

Sideshow Collectibles shows they want to hear what you have to say about their new 12" line of Star Wars figures by preparing a question and answer session! But don't delay, the deadline for getting in questions is Monday, December 19th, 2005 at noon Pacific time.

The 2005 version of the Toys R Us Japan Exclusive Kubrick Box Set has been officially listed on their website for release on December 15th ! Unfortunately, it's limited to residents of Japan, but check out the great pictures they've provided of the loose figures.

UPDATE: Today's the day for the release, and forum member He's No Good To Me Dead has provided us a photo of the set in its boxed form! Just click on the thumbnail above.

Word around the net the last few days was that Toy Fare Magazine was going to be teaming up with Hasbro on the next Fan's Choice Poll in the Star Wars line. Well good news for fans because the voting booths are now open! Head on over to Toy Fare's site to VOTE NOW for your favorite Star Wars character you want to see made.

Read on for all the rules and details on this latest Fan's Choice if you want to see how this will all go down. It's an interesting format and should make people happy even if their first choice doesn't make the cut.

Sideshow Collectibles has just provided the above picture for their upcoming 12" Anakin Skywalker Jedi Knight figure. It will be available for "priority pre-order" for newsletter subscribers on December 16, 2005 between 10am and noon PST.

UPDATE:

And for even more Anakin goodness check out SideShow'sProduction Blog. Lots of clear shots of the Anakin figure's headsculpt are available (without paint). Also included in the blog are images of his Aquabreather and Jedi Communicator accessories he'll come with. Sideshow is showing why they will take 12" Star Wars collectibles to a whole new level!

Pictures of the third series in the Kotobukiya/TOMY line of Star Wars magnets have arrived! These little pieces have some great sculpting and will include the Emperor, General Grievous, General Grievous' Bodyguard, Commander Cody, ROTS Clone Trooper, Jango Fett and a Gamorrean Guard. And as is usual with this line, a "secret" magnet will available to chase when they are released in March.

Hasbro updates their website today with photos of the second wave of Star Wars themed Transformers planned for spring 2006. The second wave includes Darth Maul, Anakin Skywalker, and Boba Fett. Click on the thumbnail above for all the details.

Hasbro also updates their website today with photos of the new "Demise of General Grievous" carded figure! This exclusive basic figure captures the General in his final moments and is due in spring 2006 at a Target store near you. Head on over to Hasbro for all the details!

Thanks to some images found in an upcoming catalog, it appears that LEGO has plans for a couple of very impressive sets. The first is a minifig-based version of the Star Destroyer, which should be much more affordable than the UCS version. The second set is Jabba's Sail Barge, which will include the Skiff as well. Thanks to Brickshelf.com for sourcing the photos.

The official Empire At War Site updated with a look at numerous new elements within the game set during the early years of the Galactic Civil War.

Check out the link to read up on Kyle Katarn and the Bothans, the TIE Scout, and the planets Jabiim and Byss. The site's layout is really intriguing as it gives a very unique description then asks "what would you do?" in using these characters, these planets, or these weapons of destruction. The Star Wars Military Universe is about to get a lot bigger with this game!

Gentle Giant's statue of the Scout Trooper and Speeder Bike was recently shipped and we've already tracked down some great pics of this statue. Thanks to Slave1.jp, you can see how well Gentle Giant continues to do on their statues.

The 2005 version of the Toys R Us Japan Exclusive Kubrick Box Set has been officially listed on their website for release on December 15th ! Unfortunately, it's limited to residents of Japan, but check out the great pictures they've provided of the loose figures.

Sideshow Collectibles has just provided the above picture for their upcoming 12" Anakin Skywalker Jedi Knight figure. It will be available for "priority pre-order" for newsletter subscribers on December 16, 2005 between 10am and noon PST.

Hasbro updates their website today with news on the upcoming Previews exclusive "Hunt for the Millennium Falcon" box set. The packaging for this 7-pack has been revised and the "Original Trilogy Collection" logo previously seen on the mock-up packaging has been replaced with the 2006 Saga logo. Head on over to Hasbro for all the details!

So who do you think has a big hand in deciding whether a toy is going to be a smash hit or if it's going to be a big dud? I just review them of course as but a humble consumer, however someone is out there at Lucasfilm deciding what features are in and which are out. That man is Director of Global Product Development at Lucas Licensing, Darren Phillipson.

If you're a StarWars.com: Hyperspace member, you can read the Full Story Here. You'll also have someone to blame and praise for the qualities you love and dislike about your Star Wars toys! Either way though, it's a job we all wish we had.

I always enjoy taking a look at all the StarWars.comDatabank updates when they arrive. This time the update focuses on Clone Wars Volume 2: War's End. The characters, creatures, and gear made famous from the final episodes of the hit cartoon shorts are examined, explained, and chock full of information!

Check out the link to also read up on the character Foul Moudama who has shown on some rumor lists for 2006. Always nice to know who you may be buying next year.

Boba from Slave1.jp showed off some new images displaying how the Holo-Mini Pack-In's are going to work for the new Saga Collection.

Rumor has been for a while now that darkside characters will have darkside holos, and the same in reverse will be said for lightside characters. Click on to see a full Fett set, and die-hard variation hunters enjoy because it could have been worse if rumors hadn't held true.

The 21st World Character Convention is being held in Japan which showcases a wide variety of Japanese products. Medicom is offering the first 500 of their Vinyl Stormtrooper at this show, and Slave1.jp has managed to get their hands on one of them. The final 1505 pieces will be offered on Medicom's website but only to residents of Japan.

Some very impressive shots of the upcoming Kotobukiya Commander Bly figure have shown up on the forums for chinese-starwars.com. Those shots should get your blood flowing in anticipation of its expected release in the next month.

We've received news that the Sideshow Collectibles Darth Vader Premium Format Figure has been delayed until January 2006. However, Sideshow has helped to lessen the blow by providing some amazing images of the finished figure, including it's working electronics!

With the Review-A-Thon over, JediDefender.com has the dirt on Hasbro's latest efforts in Clone leadership. We're taking a look at Commander Gree (Battle Gear). Prepare to be underwhelmed, and see just how horribly wrong things can go when Hasbro gets horribly cheap. Gree is one figure that should've been let go till they could do a whole new sculpt. Check out the review to see what I mean.

When you're finished, feel free to stop by our Reviews Forum and share your thoughts on this review with us, or create your own critiques on Hasbro's wares.

German collector site 4-inches.de has a long list of what to expect from Hasbro in the upcoming months, including a few exclusives we've not seen listed before. Included are Commander Faie, Commander Neyo, Galactic Marine, and Kir Kanos. It looks like the large number of exclusives we saw in 2005 will continue into 2006. Of course, since this list isn't an official Hasbro announcement, take it with a grain of salt and as always, it is subject to change.

The end of November brings a close to the Monthly Customizing Challenge for Month 7 - Organic Separatists. Click on the thumbnail above to check out the custom figures created over the last month by the talented members of JediDefender's Customs Forum!

Think you've got what it takes to participate in the Monthly Customizing Challenge? Well then, head on into the forums for the details on Month 8 - Rebel Troopers!